P0251 to P0260 and P0215: injection pump metering and engine shutoff
The control that meters fuel inside a diesel injection pump (A or B, by cam, rotor or injector) has a circuit fault, a range or performance problem or an intermittent signal, or the engine shutoff solenoid has a fault.
SeverityHighCarrying on can cause expensive damage, so deal with it now.
Can you keep driving?Only as far as the workshopWhat does P0251 mean?
Older and some current diesel engines use an injection pump that decides how much fuel each injection gets, through an electrically controlled metering device. The engine computer drives it and checks where it actually is. If the metering cannot be controlled or confirmed, the computer limits power or stops the engine. The shutoff solenoid opens the fuel path when the ignition is on and closes it to stop the engine; if it fails, the engine may not start, or may not stop.
What causes P0251?
- A failed metering actuator or position sensor inside the pump
- A damaged wire or connector on the injection pump
- Water or dirt in the fuel wearing the pump
- A failed engine shutoff solenoid
- Air drawn into the fuel supply after a filter change or a leak
What to check first for P0251
- Inspect the injection pump's connectors and wiring for oil, damage and corrosion
- Check the fuel filter and drain any water from it
- Listen for the shutoff solenoid clicking when the ignition is switched on
- Have the pump's actual and desired metering values compared on a scan tool
Can you drive with P0251?
Drive only to a workshop and gently. The engine can lose power or stall without warning; have the car towed if it has stalled, will not start, or will not stop when switched off.
In states with an OBD-II emissions inspection, a car with the check engine light on fails the test until the fault is fixed.
Codes on this page
11
- P0251Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control "A" (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
- P0252Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control "A" Range/Performance (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
- P0253Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control "A" Low (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
- P0254Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control "A" High (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
- P0255Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control "A" Intermittent (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
- P0256Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control "B" (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
- P0257Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control "B" Range/Performance (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
- P0258Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control "B" Low (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
- P0259Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control "B" High (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
- P0260Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control "B" Intermittent (Cam/Rotor/Injector)
- P0215Engine Shutoff Solenoid
Related codes
Checked on · Rafael Soares
These are the generic meanings every manufacturer shares. Each brand adds its own detail, so your car's handbook, its service information and a qualified mechanic have the last word. OdoKeep has no connection with any manufacturer, and the app does not read codes from the car.
